J&K LG Suspends 8 Officials, Orders Probe Over Controversial Library Books

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday ordered the suspension of eight officials of the School Education Department and the removal of a contractual employee over the selection and procurement of two library books found to contain “inappropriate content”. The Lt Governor also ordered a departmental inquiry into the matter, blacklisted the authors and publishers of the books, and directed that the publications be withdrawn from circulation across Jammu and Kashmir. The action comes amid a controversy over allegations that the books contained material glorifying terrorists, separatists, and stone-pelters, triggering widespread political uproar in the Union Territory. Following the controversy, both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have demanded an immediate ban on the books and called for the dismissal of Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakeena Itoo. Officials said the inquiry will examine lapses in the procurement process and fix responsibility for the inclusion of the books in school libraries. The administration has stated that strict action will be taken based on the findings of the probe.